Abstract

MORENO CEJA, Faustino; OROZCO MEDINA, Martha Georgina  and  ZUMAYA LEAL, María del Rocío. Bases for analysis and discussion of noise levels in a university library. Investig. bibl [online]. 2015, vol.29, n.66, pp.197-224. ISSN 2448-8321.

This paper examines ambient noise levels in a university library, taking measurements at ten key locations with in the library installation over three periods of the school calendar, using a cesva 160 sound level meter. Decibel levels above 60 and several touching 70 were recorded, the latter of which surpasses World Health Organization recommendations. The reading room and the checkout desk were the areas exhibiting the highest noise levels. The main sources of noise identified were users, passing aircraft, mobile telephones and computer equipment. A critical factor in these noise levels is the inadequate acoustic design of the library building provoking excessive reverberation. Researchers conclude that information and library professionals should participate in the design of buildings to be used as libraries. Moreover, pertinent stakeholders should promote library culture through the issuance of and enforcement of standards.

Keywords : Noise; University Libraries; Universidad de Guadalajara; Users; Noise pollution.

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